Jordan: New legislation needed for Internet news outlets?

Posted by Alisa Zykova on December 2, 2008 at 11:08 AM

Even though Internet-based media is gaining in popularity in Jordan, experts have said that the country's current legislative system may not be capable of regulate this new content. There is a growing demand for citizen news, and "traditional" news may become even less popular despite accuracy and accountability worries, writes The Jordan Times.

Internet expert Ahmad Humeid, who blogs in both English and Arabic, says that it should be self-regulated. However, Jordan Bar Association President Saleh Armouti said that state regulations should govern Internet outlets since there is a threat to national unity as a result of "anonymous character defamation and slander," The Jordan Times reports. In addition, Armouti suggests that the Ministry of Information, previously suspended, may have to once again control the Web.

Basil Okour, co-founder of hourly-updated Ammonnews.net, points out that the Web fills some journalistic gaps. According to Okour, complaints are generally due to comments posted by readers from around the globe and not towards the actual news material. Okour also mentions that legal regulation may be unnecessary since comments are moderated.

"We publish journalists' stories that they can't publish in their own newspapers," Okour says. "We have dozens of experts in different fields each with their own contacts; we ensure everything is accurate before reporting it."

What is preventing the wide application and use of the Web as a news medium is the expensive and sub-par services that are available, Okour adds. Slower uploads and Internet speeds may be discouraging Jordanian users from newssites.

Media lawyer, Mohammad Qteishat, mentions that legal figures may be concerned about the lack of instruction regarding Internet media within the Press and Publications Law, which may make it harder to go about with defamation and slander cases from online outlets. The Law covers print news content and applies to journalists and editors from print, radio and television. Qteishat added that only Jordan Press Association members are considered legal journalists. The lawyer concluded that the Internet is governed by the Penal Code, the Telecommunications Law and the Electronic Transactions Law.

The Jordan Times reports that the government is currently reviewing its legislation regarding electronic media.

Source: The Jordan Times